1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1990 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1990 Ford Mustang. (105 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Mustang weights approximately 606 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1990 Ford Mustang (183 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1990 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |
